I enjoyed the editorial about the car problem presented by Jefferson Smith's possible election as mayor of Portland ("Mr. Smith's mayor-mobile," Aug. 27).

Because Portland is so bike-friendly, why not provide him with a bicycle instead of a car?

CHARLES PAULSON Northwest Portland

Regarding "Smith's suspended licenses? 7, not 5" (Aug. 22): In Oregon, only a serious offense will cause the suspension of a driver's license, but it could inadvertently happen, even to a good citizen.

To be suspended twice? That also might happen, even to that "good citizen." A third suspension? One begins to wonder if "good citizen" still applies to this offender. Four suspensions? Our "good citizen" seems incapable of adapting to the social norms of the society in which he lives. Five suspensions? Six suspensions? Seven suspensions?

Our "good citizen" evidently thinks the rules don't apply to him. That certainly qualifies him to be mayor.

FRANK EVANS Southeast Portland

The editorial suggesting a mayor-mobile for Jefferson Smith was spot-on. However, it did neglect an important element -- a vanity plate.

Nothing would be more fitting for the California plates on Jefferson Smith's car than LAWBRKR.

DAVID SCHAERER Southwest Portland

Rand and reality

It seems that life does imitate art. Paul Krugman, in his column "Ryan relies on Rand, 'Atlas'" (Aug. 25), derides Paul Ryan because he admires the ideas of philosopher Ayn Rand.

What he conveniently fails to mention is that, as a journalist, he is playing the very part of Rand's character Bertram Scudder -- a narrow-minded liberal magazine editor who criticizes prime movers and champions a socialistic "Equalization of Opportunity Bill." Krugman unwittingly represents the left-leaning journalists of today who only criticize politicians who actually have a plan to keep President Obama from driving us off a fiscal cliff.

I only hope that, to use another Rand character, there are few unthinking James Taggarts of America with their causeless, unnamed and hysterical fears who actually believe him.

JOHN BOWMAN Southwest Portland

If Paul Krugman is correct that Paul Ryan's political philosophy is based on Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged," this is a big problem. I remember my reaction 40 years ago when I read the book; it was "Go, go Ayn." She is such a good writer that this novel sweeps you up and hooks you into believing that her story represents reality. On reflection, however, I realized that there were no real people in her story.

The novel features two kinds of people: the good guys, the "producers" who do no wrong, and the workers, who are featherbedding, lazy and looking only for government handouts for their unproductive lifestyles. In reality, people fall somewhere along this continuum, but rarely fall at either end of the spectrum. The book does not describe reality.

It would seem that Ryan got through phase one and got hooked, but never got to phase two, recognizing the black-and-white nature of Rand's world.

RODGER WINN Southwest Portland

Answers to coal question

In a recent letter regarding Ambre Energy's proposal to ship coal through the Columbia River Gorge to Asia, Nick Steffanoff says the only question we should be concerned about is whether the barges on the Columbia would "significantly compromise the environment or the river's fishing and recreational uses."

After a summer of extreme heat, drought and forest fires, we should ask whether it makes any sense to export the low-grade coal being phased out in the United States because of human health and environmental hazards. The burning of more cheap coal in Asia will increase airborne toxins and accelerate climate change for us all.

We should work for cleaner energy alternatives and green jobs, and save the gorge for future generations.

LARRY SHADBOLT Northeast Portland

"Absolutely yes" is the correct answer to Nick Steffanoff's primary question regarding coal barges down the Columbia River: "Will the proposed three extra barges on the Columbia River per day significantly compromise the environment or the river's fishing and recreational uses?"

Just continue the math: Three barges per day equals more than 1,000 barges per year. This is would carry an estimated "8.8 million tons of coal shipped each year at full build-out," according to the article "Could coal clog the Columbia?" (Aug. 19).This could "increase Northwest diesel and coal dust pollution, especially near marine terminals."

Considering the entire cycle from the Northwest to Asia, "Asian power plants have weaker pollution controls, and hazardous mercury emissions from Asia's coal burning drift to the Northwest on trade winds," according to the article

Therefore, the Columbia River and other Northwest treasures (i.e., populated areas, the Cascade Range, forests, etc.) would be significantly affected by the coal barges.

WILLIAM MERCER Lake Oswego

Money and matriculation

Regarding the editorial "Put students on college path sooner" (Aug. 26): As a parent on college tours with my 17-year-old son, I can readily debunk any claims about "college readiness" and test scores. Most colleges, when asked about their admission criteria formulas, encourage kids to retake tests. The highest aggregate score is what counts. After all, colleges' bragging rights depend on the highest test scores.

What accounts for retesting and test preparation? Resources.

Research by Washington State University professor emeritus Don Orlich shows a correlation between parental income and success on college entry exams.